Meet a Wedding Cake Designer in London, England: Cakes by Robin

Today’s wedding cake designer interview is with Robin of Cakes by Robin, based in London, England! Enjoy:

Tell us about your company and how you got started.

I started Cakes by Robin when I got made redundant from a banking job in the City in 2008. I decided that it was the perfect opportunity to follow my dream of owning my own cake company. I paid for my first website with two weddings cakes and got some dummy cakes professionally shot so that it looked like I had been doing it for years! I started the business from my 1 bedroom flat which we quickly grew out of and moved into a commercial premises in Southfields.

Read the full interview after the cut!

When did you first start baking?

I have always baked and cooked since I was very little. I wanted to be a chef when I was younger but decided that the hours were a bit anti-social so focused on cakes whilst still cooking delicious things for dinner for myself and my family!

Do you do bespoke/custom flavors? How about gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan, or other specialty options?

We do gluten free cakes.

What is your favorite cake and frosting combination?

I absolutely love a salted caramel buttercream with a rich dark chocolate cake. That is my favourite flavour combination at the moment.

What was your favorite job so far?

We have made cakes for famous people like Eric Clapton, Gary Barlow, Prince Charles and many others which I really love doing especially when you see your creations in print.

Do you have any tips or advice for others who are looking to start their own bakery?

Get a really good website, spend money on SEO and save up some money from your current job as things take longer to grow than you might envisage or hope for.

Do you offer anything other than cakes?

We make all sorts of sweet treats in addition to cakes including cookies, cupcakes, macaroons, cake pops, chocolate dipped oreos-basically anything that is slightly bad for your waistline (but totally worth it!)

What are you favorite trends when it comes to wedding desserts?

I love that people are getting adventurous with their choices either in cake design or the fact that they introduce things like cake pops in funky and personalised designs or groom cakes. If the bride has chosen something pretty, the groom sometimes choses a really cool design of his favourite car or football team etc.

All Photos by: Maria de Faci

What tips or advice can you give to couples who are ordering their cake and desserts?

Have an idea of what you like and what you don’t like when you come to the tastings as it makes it easier to discuss relevant ideas when there is a vague idea. Have an open mind as there are so many exciting things in the cake world!